The High Court is set to rule on the validity of laws in WA allowing the State to indefinitely detain “high risk” offenders.

The High Risk Serious Offenders legislation, introduced by the McGowan Government and passed through State Parliament in 2020, targets offenders who are deemed likely to pose an unacceptable risk to the community.

It hands judges the power to order the continuing detention or community supervision of violent offenders who are nearing their release date.

But it’s met with criticism, and there are concerns this could disproportionately impact Indigenous prisoners.

It's been brought back into the spotlight because of the case of Noongar man Peter Robert Garlett, who is challenging WA’s High Risk Serious Offenders legislation after being detained beyond his prison sentence for aggravated robbery. Why is this seen as a problem? 

Joining the show to explain is human rights lawyer Dr Hannah McGlade.

The High Court is set to rule on the validity of laws in WA allowing the State to indefinitely detain “high risk” offenders.
The High Risk Serious Offenders legislation, introduced by the McGowan Government and passed through State Parliament in 2020, targets offenders who are deemed likely to pose an unacceptable risk to the community.
It hands judges the power to order the continuing detention or community supervision of violent offenders who are nearing their release date.
But it’s met with criticism, and there are concerns this could disproportionately impact Indigenous prisoners.
It's been brought back into the spotlight because of the case of Noongar man Peter Robert Garlett, who is challenging WA’s High Risk Serious Offenders legislation after being detained beyond his prison sentence for aggravated robbery. Why is this seen as a problem? 
Joining the show to explain is human rights lawyer Dr Hannah McGlade.

If you enjoyed listening to The West Live for your daily news fix, then come and join us over on The Nightly Five.  Host Ben O’Shea continues to deliver punchy news and analysis, in a new podcast to get you in front of tomorrow’s news today!  Subscribe on your favourite podcast player and visit the thenightly.com.au

If you enjoyed listening to The West Live for your daily news fix, then come and join us over on The Nightly Five.  Host Ben O’Shea continues to deliver punchy news and analysis, in a new podcast to get you in front of tomorrow’s news today!  Subscribe on your favourite podcast player and visit the <a href="https://thenightly.com.au">thenightly.com.au</a>

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